House Car Driver
The House Car Driver is a key ambassador of hospitality and luxury, responsible for providing safe, elegant, and personalized transportation services to guests of The Cooper Hotel. With a focus on discretion, local knowledge, and impeccable service etiquette, the House Car Driver enhances the overall guest experience by delivering seamless door-to-door service throughout Charleston and surrounding areas. This role reflects the standards of Forbes Travel Guide and the warm Southern charm expected from a world-class Charleston property.
Duties & Responsibilities :
- Transport guests safely and efficiently in the hotel's luxury house car to pre-approved destinations, including restaurants, shops, event venues, and nearby attractions.
- Open doors, assist with luggage, and provide an elegant and comfortable ride experience.
- Anticipate guest needs, offering bottled water, amenities, or insights into local landmarks and culture when appropriate.
- Deliver personalized service by remembering guest preferences, names, and return visits.
- Ensure the vehicle is meticulously clean, well-maintained, fueled, and stocked with amenities (e.g., water, mints, sanitizers, phone chargers).
- Conduct daily vehicle inspections and promptly report any maintenance or safety concerns to management.
- Adhere to all traffic laws, safety regulations, and internal protocols to guarantee a smooth and professional ride.
- Engage guests with warmth, respect, and professionalism, always maintaining a high level of discretion and confidentiality.
- Handle VIPs, celebrities, and high-profile guests with the utmost care and confidentiality.
- Provide accurate information about the hotel's offerings, Charleston's attractions, and assist with recommendations when requested.
- Work closely with the Concierge, Front Desk, Valet, and Bell teams to ensure timely pickups and drop-offs.
- Maintain accurate logs of transportation requests, routes, and timeframes to support scheduling and service tracking.
- Manage multiple transport requests during high-demand periods, prioritizing efficiently while preserving service quality.
- Ensure all guests are securely seated and seat belts are used when required.
- Be familiar with emergency procedures in case of breakdown, accident, or inclement weather.
- Remain calm and composed under pressure, demonstrating professionalism in all scenarios.
Required Skills & Experience :
Minimum 2 years of professional driving experience; luxury hotel, private chauffeur, or limousine experience preferred.Valid South Carolina driver's license with a clean driving record.Impeccable grooming and personal presentation in line with Forbes 5-Star expectations.Deep knowledge of Charleston's streets, landmarks, fine dining, and cultural destinations.Strong communication and interpersonal skills with a service-first attitude.Ability to maintain confidentiality, poise, and decorum in all interactions.Physical Requirements :
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a colleague to successfully perform the essential functions of this job :
Must be able to sit and drive for extended periods and assist guests with luggage (up to 50 lbs).Availability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and flexible shifts based on business needs.Must be able to safely operate a luxury vehicle in varying weather and traffic conditions.Must be able to resolve problems, handle conflict, and make effective decisions under pressure.Good hearing is necessary for effective communication with colleagues, guests, and stakeholders.